How do I describe/explain other than stating it is a tropical hardwood? Well, here are some comparisons and wood texture with reference to other hardwood such as teak, mahogany, resak (Cotylelobium melanoxylon). These hardwood has a very high fibre cellulose density and are heavier, making them rather hard to carve and shape. Meranti wood on the other hand has a lesser density fibre cellulose as compared to teak or cumaru wood, thus making it easier to work with.

Once on a woodworking roadshow I did have a chance to feel whats like of a pine wood. Comparing meranti wood and pine wood, I would say that meranti is a lot more heavier and densier than pine. Planing a meranti wood on a hand plane is time consuming takes a lot of effort but its certainly easier to work with comparing to teak.

Meranti wood also gives you a nice smooth surface finish when linseed oil is applied. From the pics that I posted, it is quite evident that the wood changes color as it absorbed the oil. Here’s a pic of before and after linseed oil application . Before and after

p/s Hi Charlie, I hope my description on Kayu Meranti enlighten you on the type of wood it is.

_As a novice and a hobbyist in woodworking, some minor mistakes were made during the crafting of this workbench. Crafting this workbench was the largest project that I’ve ever undertaken and I’ve learned a lot from it. Details on my mistakes working on this bench can be viewed hereSome lessons learned crafting this workbench are,....

That is the most beautiful bench I have seen yet. Incredible work and the wood/finish is outstanding. WELL DONE! I am not sure I would want that in my shop, I’d put it into to a formal room as furniture.